- Federschwert
The "Federschwert" ("feather sword", plural "Federschwerter"), or "Fechtfeder" ("fighting feather", plural "Fechtfedern"), is a type of training
sword used in Renaissance "Fechtschule n" (martial arts schools) to train safely at full speed and power. They are used extensively in the fighting manuals of the16th century , particularly those ofPaulus Hector Mair andJoachim Meyer .Since so far nobody was able to provide evidence for the historical use of the term "Federschwert" or "Fechtfeder" both terms must be regarded as modern.
Construction and Use
The sword consists of a very thin, rounded
blade with a largericasso and a heavyhilt andpommel . Because of this, it has the same weight andCenter of Balance as a real sword, and handles identically. This odd construction also has the effect of moving the sword'sCenter of Percussion to a theoretical point beyond its tip. This, combined with the peculiarblade geometry , effectively renders a damaging blow impossible. The tip of a "Federschwert" is spatulated and may have been covered with a leather sleeve to make thrusting safer, though no direct historical evidence exists of such use.ee also
*
Federfechter
*Waster
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